FIFPRO issues statement urging FIFA to intervene to resolve Indian football crisis

6686 Sports reported on November 13 that the International Football Federation of Professional Players (FIFPRO) issued a statement calling on the AFC and FIFA to intervene to immediately resolve the increasingly serious crisis in professional football in India, a large Eastern country. An excerpt of the statement follows.

"FIFPRO Asia and Oceania Chapters call for an immediate solution to the growing crisis in professional football in India. The continued uncertainty of the Indian Premier League has caused hundreds of professional players to face the dilemma of uncertain future, sharp decrease in income, and lack of living security. The Indian Football Federation (AIFF) has not yet determined the start date of the Indian Premier League, and most clubs have called for the suspension of first-team operations. Many clubs have stopped paying players' salaries and refused to perform players' contracts on the grounds of 'force majeure.'"

"Although the livelihood of Indian players has been affected, the Indian Football Federation has neither taken any substantive steps to solve the problem nor consulted with the players, which is a clear violation of the players' labor rights."

"During this period of uncertainty, the players have shown extraordinary professional energy, but now, they have been pushed to the brink. The consequences are not limited to the domestic arena, the performance of the Indian national team has also been affected. The players have been unfairly accused by fans due to circumstances beyond their control."

"We call on the AFC and FIFA to use their strong influence to intervene in this matter and promote a quick resolution of the problem. FIFPRO and the Players Association of India (FPAI) will continue to support the players, safeguard their labor rights, and provide legal assistance to the players during this extremely difficult period."